The Biggest Lockout ‘IF’
The NBA is a week into the lockout and I must say I have been amazed by the amount of stories that have generated ‘if, but and and’ conversations throughout the basketball community.
Without doubt though, the biggest story since the lockout broke yesterday when it was revealed that New Jersey Nets’ Guard Deron Williams confirmed via his newly appointed agent, that he intends to play for Besiktas in Turkey if the lockout continues into the season.
The reaction to this news has been fascinating. Opinions in NBA circles seem to be divided on whether the news is something NBA officials need to worry about (as other players may decide to follow Williams to Europe) or whether this news is simply being over hyped. The truth is both.
IF the lockout extends throughout the NBA season and players like Williams take their talents to Turkey, Spain or any other European or International league then sure, NBA officials and teams should be concerned. This would be an amazing feat for any team outside of the NBA to have one of its premier players, currently in contract with an NBA team showcase their skills in their league. The players would leave at their own risk of injury and know full well that an injury could cause serious damage to their potential earnings in the long term.
However, even if players decide to play abroad there are a lot of complications. They would need to obtain FIBA clearance, which is a lot more complicated than people may think. Current under contract players would only sign deals allowing them to return to the NBA as soon as the lockout ends, plus there are many more stumbling blocks for the players if they are to play abroad so any deals are a long way from being agreed.
I believe Williams was supposed to earn over $16m next season with the Nets but until the lockout is over, we will not know what he will earn. One thing I can be sure of is Besiktas will not be able to afford to pay anywhere near Williams’ $16m salary. His earnings would be good, but mere pocket change for the higher paid players at best.
Has Deron Williams stirred up good conversation? Yes, but I have serious doubts that NBA owners and teams would want the lockout to go as far as seeing any contracted players for the 2011/12 season play abroad. Unrestricted free agents will be free to go and sign with European or international teams and I expect many of these to leave the NBA for guaranteed contracts outside of America, but I still expect the lockout to end by January.
This week has given us an example of how awful the relationship is between the league officials and the players. The bad news is the
league is not due to start until November, so expect many more weeks like this one and worse.
Article courtesy of Michael Roberts.
